Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Matthew 28:5, “But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.'” 

Background

A buddy of mine and his wife recently drove nearly 1800 miles total over the course of just a couple days to see a professional football game. She surprised him with tickets to celebrate that landmark birthday that comes when you reach half a hundred. But of the two teams playing, one had its starting quarterback out because of an injury, and the other team lost its star quarterback to injury only minutes after the game started. Fortunately for my friend, he did not drive all that way just to see a particular player who was injured and ended up unable to play. There was much more to experience at this historic stadium hosting these legendary teams than a single individual. The atmosphere, sights, sounds, and even weather have left an impression on him that will linger until he breathes his last. 

Application

The angel sitting on the stone knew that those ladies had come to visit the crucified Jesus. The Sabbath had ended, and they were free to come to the grave site to mourn the loss of their beloved. But fortunately for them, there was more waiting for them than a dead body. There was an empty tomb. The lifeless body of a carpenter and preacher was not the main attraction. Much more than that would go with these women as they left Calvary and met Jesus on the road to town, even to the point when they one day breathed their last. Of all that we praise and thank Him for, Jesus is so much more. As much of a healer as He is, He is so much more the comforter when healing doesn’t come and we seek purpose and meaning in life and death. As evident and real as He works and shows Himself in your daily life, He is so much more the invisible One who is working and drawing those around you who do not yet know Him. And as tangible a way as He provides for you and me, He is so much more the One who can take away our love and desire for the temporary possessions that can fill our lives with distraction. He is our everything, yes. But He is so much than that. 

Charge

As we seek Him today, exalt Him for what He is, and trust Him to be even more, enough for whatever may come your way. 

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words